Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Adams declared a state of emergency in New York, including New York City, in response to life-threatening flash flood risks. With up to five inches of rain expected in some areas and flood watches in effect, officials are urging residents to get ready right away.Heavy downpours on Thursday and Friday are likely to cause mass transit delays, flooded subways, and impassable roads.In just a few hours, up to 5 inches of rain could fall, overwhelming transit systems and flooding roads, basements, and subways. Non-essential state employees were released early, as officials advised extreme caution.Which counties have the highest risk of flash flooding?As heavy rains fall across New York, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and more than a dozen surrounding counties.Live Events The decision is in response to a heightened flash flooding risk, which the National Weather Service has upgraded to moderate, with up to 70% chance of flooding in the most vulnerable areas, as per a report by News12 Brooklyn.ALSO READ: New Jersey under state of emergency as flash flood warning hits Mid-Atlantic and NortheastThe emergency declaration applies to the following regions: The Bronx, Queens, Kings, Nassau, Suffolk, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, and others. Flood watches are in effect until Friday afternoon, with up to five inches of rain expected in the NYC metro area, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson Valley.How are state and city officials dealing with the storm?Governor Hochul has activated statewide emergency operations, deploying water rescue teams in Orange and Ulster counties and releasing non-essential employees in several counties at 1 p.m. to ease the evening commute. The Division of Homeland Security, the State Police, and the Fire Operations Centers are all on high alert, working closely with local emergency responders.Mayor Adams, citing the storm's severe potential, echoed the urgency by declaring his own state of emergency. The mayor's office warns that the weather may "restrict the operation of emergency vehicles, delay transit systems, and impede essential services."Subway flooding and sewer backups are already being closely monitored, with rainfall rates expected to exceed two inches per hour, particularly Thursday evening. Officials have issued a warning that roads, particularly underpasses and areas with poor drainage, could quickly become impassable.What precautions should the residents take right now?New Yorkers are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday evening and Friday morning, stay off flooded roads, and take precautions to protect property, particularly in basements and lower floors that are prone to water accumulation. Commuters should anticipate significant transit delays, and employers are advised to allow employees to leave early.Residents can stay informed by texting their county or borough name to 333111 and receiving real-time emergency alerts on their mobile phones. It is also recommended that you enable government alerts in your phone's settings and stay up to date on local news and weather.Governor Hochul emphasized that "I am urging all New Yorkers to stay vigilant, informed, and use caution." She added that state agencies are fully operational and monitoring developments as the storm progresses.As of Thursday afternoon, the worst rain was expected to fall within a 3- to 6-hour window, potentially flooding storm drains and subways throughout the metro area. More rainfall is expected in parts of the Southern Tier and Capital Region as well.FAQsWhich areas are currently under an emergency?It includes the Bronx, the boroughs of New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and 12 or more counties.How much rainfall is expected?Up to 5 inches in the heaviest bands, with rates that may exceed 2 inches per hour.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onnyc floodingflash flood warningnyc state of emergencyflooding nycflash flood warning nycflash floodnyc floodny state of emergencynyc rainny weather (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onnyc floodingflash flood warningnyc state of emergencyflooding nycflash flood warning nycflash floodnyc floodny state of emergencynyc rainny weather(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123